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Need help choosing windows

9 years ago

We are renovating a brick bungalow and replacing all windows and doors. I'm worried that new white vinyl casement windows will look dated but black casements, while more trendy, will be too dark. Painting the brick is not an option. Any suggestions for the style/ colour of windows I should go with? First picture is existing; second is a mockup of house with black windows.





Comments (13)

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Your selection depends on your goal. Are you trying to change the appearance of the bungalow or simply replace the windows to restore the bungalow to its original appearance?

    Your front window has already been changed from multiple windows to the one picture window. If there is nothing wrong with the window, I think it's appearance is attractive and I would not change it. It's the enclosed porch that doesn't seem quite right.

    Neither black or white is the right selection for the windows and certainly NOT vinyl. Off white to match the trim on your home is the right finish IMO.



  • 9 years ago

    I agree that a buff color might look better. . I would try to change your large window back to an original style. The current front door and sidelights remind me of a door that leads to a convenience store. I would need something more " homey".

  • 9 years ago

    Thanks for input. The house is in a very trendy urban neighbourhood. I am trying to change the outside look to more contemporary - with an urban rustic theme inside. Curious as to why not vinyl windows? I'm leaning towards black outside, with a prairie grid, and white inside. I like the look of black inside as well but I'm afraid to be that bold. The house is completely open concept from front to back.

  • 9 years ago

    I am curious also why not vinyl windows. I installed vinyl in our home to replace builder grade wood ones, and they look nice and have a lifetime warranty ( compared to wood that come in 10 or 20 years warranty)

  • 9 years ago

    Personally, I like the black. But I don't care at all for the door ; something closer to Beverly's 2nd photo would look nicer IMO.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I like the black for the look you are trying to accomplish for the trendy neighborhood you are in. I say be bold and have it black on the inside too! I am not a fan of different color inside than out, I like the doors and window trim to be the same inside and out when possible. Do it!

  • 9 years ago
    Thank you. I agree with you! I really dislike having a diff colour window inside. for that simple reason, I will go with black inside. I appreciate the inspiration photos.
    Front door is still undecided - the porch is heated and will serve as an ante room ( lots of exposed brick so will have to deal with that and the front bedroom window opens to it ). there will be a glass door (replacing the old front door) to the living room .
    For the front (porch) door I may go with a solid black door or a frosted glass door , with an awning over the front entrance. This "update" is turning into more of a complete Reno.
  • 9 years ago
    I like your current door!
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    YES, to everything Be You Home Design said!

    In case you need even more convincing, here are some black windows and doors from one of our projects.

    A-Frame Modern · More Info

    A-Frame Modern · More Info

    A-Frame Modern · More Info

    A-Frame Modern · More Info

  • 9 years ago
    Thanks for additional photos!
    I am going with black windows inside and out, with some exceptions : the small, high, non-opening windows around the fireplace and all the windows in the basement will be white inside. Im wondering if black frames, white trim, would make these windows too much of a focal point and that's not necessarily a good thing because they are very small. I'm not sure which design consideration is more important ? Consistency - All windows black inside; or deliberately having some windows different so they are less visible ?
    Here is a picture of second mockup of outside with prairie grill windows. I think the frame around attic windows will be smaller.
    Which do you like better: a full frosted glass door? a clear half glass door? Or a solid door?
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    So, will the interior windows on each floor be the same color? I would not mix two different interior window colors on the same floor. In that case, I believe consistency should take priority. Do you have images of the rooms that you would like to have two-tone windows?

    What material is the white on the underside of your roof overhang and the material surrounding the upper 3 windows? If it's wood I think stripping the paint and having a natural wood look would look great against the black windows and brick...and eliminate the unwanted contrast. If that's the case, I would do either a solid wood door (to match the wood siding) or a half-lite door without frosted glass. I would avoid having a frosted full-lite door next to two clear glass windows --Aesthetically feels strange to me.

    Hope this helps!

  • 9 years ago
    Very helpful thanks. The material is aluminum but it will be removed. The opening is much larger than the existing windows so the new windows will be larger. I do like the look of black with wood and will try to incorporate.
    Attaching a pic of the room with the small windows around fireplace. I'm ok going with consistency ( ie black interior windows ) although I just met with a kitchen designer that suggested black windows too trendy lol